Sean O'Malley Says President Trump Told Him He Deserved Fight Bonus
"He said, 'You should get the bonus.' Oh, we're gonna get to that. I don't think he said that."
About this episode
On this episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, host Ariel Helwani delivered explosive interviews and breaking news following the historic UFC White House event. The centerpiece was an emotional in-studio appearance by Alex Pereira and his coach Plinio Cruz, marking the angriest and most upset Pereira has appeared publicly after a loss. Pereira accused referee Herb Dean of failing to stop illegal back-of-head strikes from Ciryl Gane, revealing he specifically warned Dean before the fight about Gane's history of such fouls. Pereira demanded Dean never referee him again and called for consequences, framing his complaint as about fighter safety rather than overturning the result. Earlier, California Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster appeared in-studio defending the stoppage, creating a direct contradiction with Pereira's account. Foster stated the scramble and movement made intervention inappropriate, a position Pereira's team rejected entirely. Helwani also spoke with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who cornered Mauricio Ruffy at the event, and bantamweight contender Sean O'Malley, who revealed President Trump told him he deserved a fight bonus after his knockout. The show opened with Helwani's continued euphoria over the New York Knicks' NBA championship, with the crew debating whether he should attend the parade. Breaking news included the official announcement of Islam Makhachev versus Ian Machado Garry for UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15th. The episode captured the fallout from one of the most controversial finishes in recent UFC history while showcasing the unique access and timing that defines the program.
Key takeaways
- Pereira accused Herb Dean of ignoring illegal back-of-head strikes from Gane despite being warned before the fight, demanding Dean never referee him again.
- California Commission chief Andy Foster defended Dean's work in-studio, saying the scramble and movement made stopping the fight inappropriate.
- Pereira confirmed requesting a UFC rematch with Gane and plans to stay at heavyweight, targeting August or September return despite medical results pending.
- Coach Plinio Cruz called Dean a coward for not acting on illegal strikes at the White House event, suggesting referees alter standards for high-profile cards.
- Sean O'Malley revealed Trump told him he deserved a fight bonus after knocking out Ayman Zahabi with a salute finish for the president's birthday.
- UFC officially announced Islam Makhachev versus Ian Machado Garry for UFC 330 lightweight title fight in Philadelphia on August 15th.
- Volkanovski confirmed pushing for September return against Movsar Evloev, saying Herb Dean's back-of-head area explanation in his video doesn't match what he told Pereira's team pre-fight.